“Maile told me that in Hawaiian tradition, there is a god who held power over poisons,” Jack said.
“Ah, Kalaipahoa. He is also called the sorcery god. He’s typically portrayed in images made from the wood of three trees that were believed to be poisonous. The Bishop Museum has a wooden statue of Kalaipahoa, and there is a cavity in the back of the statue that was used to hold the poison.”
“So poison was used in Hawaiian customs?” Jack asked.
“Yes, in ancient times there were ceremonies where poison was consumed and then followed by taking antidotes, all drawn from parts of plants. The one who consumed the poison would later be saved by consuming the antidote.”
“Sounds like a great way to spend an evening,” Jack said wryly.
“Well, not exactly, but it was an important element of ancient Hawaiian life. In fact, after the poison had been consumed, the priest would do all kinds of things, some of which were harmful, to heal the person who had consumed the poison.”
“Like what?” Jack asked.
“He would consume harmful things.”
“Such as?” Jack asked.
“He would drink potions that contained poisons.”
“Such as?” Jack asked.
“Oh, there were many different poisons.”
“Give me an example.”
“Well, one was ‘Akia, but there were many others.”
“What is ‘Akia?”
“Akia is a shrub with oval-shaped green leaves. It has yellow flowers that develop small red berries, and its bark is reddish in color and very hard.”
“And it’s poisonous?” Jack asked.
“Certain forms of ‘Akia are highly poisonous, but, for the most part, they aren’t found in the Hawaiian Islands. Only one strain that grows on Oahu is poisonous.”
“Just one form of ‘Akia found here is poisonous?” Jack asked.
“Yes, but there are many other very poisonous plants on this island. For example, the Be-Still tree grows in many backyards and it contains a substance that is very toxic, particularly to the heart.”
“How does it work?”
“It contains cardiac glycosides that block electrical impulses throughout the body by interfering with the exchange of sodium and potassium in and out of the nerve and muscle cells. All parts of this tree are extremely dangerous.”
“And they’re everywhere?”
“Everywhere.”
“What else is poisonous?”
“Oleander bushes, which grow in yards and parks and along roads all over the islands.”
“How dangerous is Oleander?”
“All parts of the Oleander bush contain cardiac glycosides that interfere with the heart, just like the Be-Still tree.”
“Any others?”
“Jimsonweed is extremely toxic. It contains chemicals that affect the central nervous system. Black-eyed Susans contain toxalbumins that interfere with the functioning of the cells in the liver, kidneys and nerves.”
“Papa David, how many of these plants are there in Hawaii?” Jack asked.
“Jack, there are many, and books have been written about them. Their properties are well-known by physicians.”
“If that’s the case, why can’t the State’s toxicologists identify the source of the fluid in Reynolds’ stomach?” Jack inquired.
“There are some plants that are seen often, and others that may not be seen in a lifetime,” Papa David responded.
“So the plants growing in backyards and parks and along roads are more likely to be consumed than ones that are not so prevalent?”
“Exactly.”
“And if the fluid in Reynolds’ system came from one of the latter category of plants, it’s possible that no toxicologist alive today has ever seen it before.”
“Correct, but they should be able to identify its chemical components. That would give us some idea of the kind of plant they came from,” Papa David explained.
“Of course, but that would only identify the chemical reaction that caused the death. It wouldn’t necessarily identify the plant because, as you pointed out, some plants cause harm by the same means, for example, by interfering with the heart’s electrical impulses.”
“Yes, counselor. You must be very effective when cross- examining expert witnesses. I enjoy your analysis, Jack. Very few people take the time to think things through these days.”
“I think I need to do a little more reading and thinking about the facts of this case,” Jack said.
“There are many books at the Bishop Museum that can help you. Please come back if I can be of any further assistance.”
“I will. And thank you very much for your time and your wisdom, Papa David,”
“You’re welcome, Jack, and I’ll look forward to our next visit.”
“Me, too,” Jack said, shaking Papa David’s hand.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Jack decided to return to Waikiki the long way, driving north along Kamehameha Highway, past the famous North Shore surfing beaches at Waimea Bay, the Banzai Pipeline, and Sunset Beach. During the winter months, these beaches confront Pacific swells that start to build thousands of miles away, sometimes off the coast of Alaska. They march unimpeded across the Pacific, increasing in height and strength until they break as monstrous waves on the reefs that protect the northern coast of Oahu. These are the most famous surfing beaches in the world and they gave rise to the unique culture and language that marks surfers around the world.
When Jack reached Kahuku Point at the northern tip of Oahu, he followed the highway as it turned south past Turtle Bay and the ruins of sugar mills and drove toward Laie Bay, made famous by the traditional Hawaiian song called the Hukilau. The ultramarine Pacific sparkled and seemed to flow into the azure sky at the horizon, making Jack feel as if he were inside a blue silk tent whose sides and top were billowing in the wind.
Reflecting on what he had learned from Papa David, Jack concluded that he had to do more research at the Bishop Museum. He remained puzzled at the inability of toxicologists to identify the source of the fluid that had poisoned Derek Reynolds. These plants have been poisoning people in Hawaii for a long time, and medical doctors as well as herbal medicine practitioners were familiar with their properties. Why couldn’t they identify this particular plant?
Jack passed the island that looks like and takes its name from a Chinaman’s Hat and saw a military jet landing at the Marine Corps Air Station at Kaneohe Bay in the distance. As he approached the peninsula where the base is situated, Jack realized he was passing the place where Kulani had been run off the road near Lanikai. The road ran right next to the beach, and it was clear that one car could easily push another off the road and onto the sand.
He drove along the beach road for a while and then cut over to Kalanianaole Highway, which meanders along the southeast coast of Oahu, known as the Windward Shore because the prevailing tradewinds blow toward that side of the island. Rounding Makapuu Point, Jack headed west toward Waikiki and marveled at the green-covered volcanic mountains, lush with vegetation, that spilled down to the sparkling blue sea a thousand feet below. Like a mirage, they presented an image that no camera lens could capture. Looking at the expanse of green on his right, Jack realized that he had a daunting task ahead of him — trying to identify one plant among the thousands that covered this island.
It was close to five o’clock when he turned into the driveway of the Royal Hawaiian and walked over to Katherine’s dress shop.
“Hellooo,” he said as he opened the door to the light ring of the bell.
Katherine responded with a big smile as she walked quickly toward him. They embraced and kissed, observing their silent moment together at the end of the day, and held each other tightly, not wanting to let go.
“Did any more nice Japanese ladies come by?” Jack asked.
“No, but a very nice young German lady did and she bought two of my dresses and one evening sarong.”
“Wonderful,” Jack said,
“you’ll soon be known as the designer to the Axis Powers.”
“Now, Jack, you know we own a Mercedes and we used to have a Lexus.”
“True, true. You know my father still won’t buy a Japanese car,” Jack said.
“I know, but he has a Mercedes. How does he justify that?” Katherine asked.
“I asked him that question once,” Jack replied.
“And what was his rationale for the distinction?” Katherine asked. “Germany and Japan were both enemies of the United States in World War II.”
“It’s the sneak attack. That’s how he distinguishes between the Germans and the Japanese and rationalizes the Mercedes but not a Lexus.”
“Your father is something else.”
“Well, he was a Naval Officer in World War II. As far as I’m concerned, he’s entitled to his views. He earned them the hard way.”
“That’s for sure,” Katherine said.
“What do you say we close this place and go for a swim. I’ve got a lot to tell you.”
“I’ve got a lot to tell you too, Jack. Hypatia and Jennifer were in today. We had a long talk about all kinds of things.”
Jack and Katherine walked back to the Royal Hawaiian, changed into their bathing suits, and headed for the beach. Nearly all of the tourists had returned to their rooms, leaving much of the most famous beach in the world to Jack and Katherine. As they waded into the Pacific, Jack held Katherine’s hand and guided her around the coral heads that occasionally surfaced above the sand at their feet. They swam out fifty yards and floated on their backs. Then Jack stood up and put his arms around Katherine’s waist, allowing her to wrap her legs around his waist, lean back and float on her back while they talked. Jack told her all about Papa David and the poisonous plants that live sometimes in harmony and sometimes in conflict with the people of Hawaii.
“We’ve probably stood next to those plants hundreds of times,” Katherine said.
“No doubt about it. It was a surprise to me. I had no idea so many plants that you see every day can kill you.”
“I’ll have to be more careful the next time I pick out plants for my shop.”
“For the most part, it seems you have to eat them to cause any real damage,” Jack said.
“Well, I’m not taking any chances. In fact, I’m going to talk to Jennifer about it.”
“What does Jennifer know about Hawaiian plants?” Jack asked.
“Quite a bit, Jack. She owns a flower shop in Beverly Hills and comes here all the time to see a florist who supplies her with tropical flowers.”
“So Hypatia and Jennifer came by to visit you?”
“They came in about ten-thirty, and we had coffee and talked about Derek, the movie, and fashion.”
“Did they seem upset?”
“Not particularly, although Hypatia is concerned that progress on the movie will slow down. I think she wants to get this whole thing over with and go home.”
“I’ll bet she’s relieved that she won’t have to deal with Reynolds anymore.”
“She seemed to be. In fact, she told me that she had dinner with Commander Butler last night. They’re old sweethearts, and she was just thrilled to run into him at the Club. I think the spark we saw on Monday night has turned into a flame.”
“How did Jennifer seem?”
“She was quiet, but what little sister wouldn’t be in the presence of a star like Hypatia. People walked into the shop and just gawked when they saw who was in there.”
“How did Jennifer get into the flower business?”
“Well, that’s interesting. I was talking to Hypatia about a dress she liked, which had a tropical floral pattern, and Jennifer knew the name of every flower on the dress. She was also looking at the flowers and plants that I have around the shop that, I hope, are not poisonous and she told me that she owns a flower shop in Beverly Hills. She and Hypatia are partners in the business. Hypatia supplied the money to get the business going, and Jennifer manages it. They not only sell flowers and plants to the stars; they also supply them for movie and television sets. It’s quite a business.”
“And Jennifer comes over here regularly?” Jack asked.
“Yes, she buys tropical flowers and plants from a wholesale florist here on Oahu who ships them to her in California.”
“Who would that be?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t ask, but she said she’d have him send some plants to my shop.”
“Be sure to find out what they are before you touch them, Katherine.”
“I will, you old worry wart.”
“And do me a favor, will you? Save the invoice when they’re delivered.”
“Do you want to buy some tropical plants for our house on the Big Island?”
“No. I think the Kailua Plantation staff has that covered. I’d just like to know who her supplier is.”
“Okay. Now, Jack, it’s date night and while we usually go out for dinner on date night, I have a proposal for you.”
“What are you thinking?”
“I think we should have a naked date night at home.”
“You’re on. Let’s get out of here,” Jack said with a broad grin as he led her swimming in strong strokes toward the beach.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Jack woke up at seven on Friday morning to the low, steady breathing of his wife. Her blonde hair cascaded over the side of the pillow, and she gave no sign of getting up anytime soon. But as he swung his legs out of the bed, Katherine reached over and touched his back.
“Where are you going, wild man?”
“And I thought you were sound asleep.”
“I was, until you got up,” she replied coyly, her voice deep and raspy with invitation.
“I don’t really feel like getting up,” Jack said with a grin.
“Neither do I, handsome. Come back here.”
The telephone in their bedroom rang at eight, and Katherine handed Jack the receiver.
“Hello, Jack. This is Peter Dillingham.”
“Good morning, Peter, and to what do I owe such an early greeting from the distinguished manager of Hawaii’s most famous hotel?”
“Jack, I’m sorry to call you this early but I have great news and I wanted to let you and Katherine know as soon as possible. The radio show is all set. We go on the air Monday afternoon, broadcasting and streaming from the Mai Tai Bar, and I wanted to make sure that you and Katherine could be there. I’ve reserved two seats at my table for you and I’ve also asked Arthur Fairbanks and the Grant’s to sit with us.”
“Wonderful, Peter, we can’t wait. What time should we arrive?”
“To accommodate listeners on the east coast, the show starts at four o’clock, so it would be best to be in your seats by three-thirty.”
“We’ll be there, Peter. Thanks for calling.
“He certainly is excited about the radio show,” Jack said to Katherine after he hung up.
“I know. Georgia told me Peter consulted her about it, because she remembers the old show at the Moana Surfrider so well.”
“Did Georgia ever sing on the show?”
“Yes, she did. Of course, she was a very young girl then, but it was a popular show that was broadcast all over the world.”
“It must have been thrilling to sit on the east coast during a cold winter night, next to an old Zenith or Silvertone radio, and listen to music from Hawaii, when the only way to get there was by cruise ship from the west coast.”
“That’s how my grandparents traveled to Hawaii. They sailed on the SS Lurline, which was a very elegant ocean liner. Dinner was black tie every night, and the menus were hand-painted and engraved.”
Jack shook his head. “What a great way to get here.”
“And it took nearly a week from San Francisco! By the time they arrived and spent another two or three weeks, I’m amazed they could ever come home.”
“And therein, lovely one, lies the reason that we, too, are here,” Jack said with a smile.
“You
’re right, Jack; at least we come by it honestly.”
“That we do, my dear. And here’s to Peter for bringing Old Hawaii back. People seem to be searching for traditional things, and this show will be just like the one their parents and grandparents enjoyed years ago. I’ll bet Georgia will sing in the show.”
“I have no doubt. I just hope the cloud of this Derek Reynolds thing isn’t still hanging over Gordon by then.”
“Me too,” Jack said. “And I’ll do my part to remove that cloud today. I’m going back to the Bishop Museum and try to find out what plant was the source of the fluid that killed Reynolds.”
“Don’t you think you should leave that to the police, Jack?”
“I’m not interfering with their investigation. I’m just augmenting it with my own research. They’re short on resources, and I’m helping out.”
“Okay, Detective, but don’t get so far into it that the murderer gets wind of it and comes after you.”
“I won’t,” Jack said as he kissed Katherine’s forehead. “In fact, I’ll check in with the Plantation by phone this morning and then I’ll call those chefs in New York and Washington who think espresso is the only kind of coffee you should serve in good restaurants.”
“Remember, someone ran Kulani off the road.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be careful.”
“Please be extremely careful,” Katherine said as she looked at their clock radio and realized it was later than she thought.
“Oh Jack, I’m really late. I’ve got to take the first shower this morning.”
Jack made coffee and popped whole wheat bread into the toaster, then cut up papaya and mango, which he doused with the juice of a freshly squeezed lime. He took the fruit out to the lanai and sat down to watch the morning rituals of the surfers, beach boys and catamaran skippers. He never tired of observing these daily rites and liked to think that, from his post in the tower, he participated in their routines.
Katherine joined him on the lanai and smiled when she saw toast alongside the slices of mango and papaya.
“What time are you going to the Bishop Museum?”
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